13 July 2012

AATF Commission on Technology's work session and workshop updates:Both sessions were well-attended and offered excellent opportunities for sharing useful Web tools for students and teachers.

Web Tools presented at the Commission Work Session: We will be adding to this list on the designated pages of this blog throughout the summer. Please subscribe to the blog to receive updates!

1. BonPatron - Although a basic and limited tool that will ask users to contribute to the site, this is an interesting way to help learners proofread their written work. BonPatron will suggest, but not correct, text that has been either copy/pasted or typed directly into the text box. For $15 a year, users may access the complete site with no limits or ads.

2. Pixton : Comic strip maker - Pixton for schools allows teachers to purchase class licenses or use a 30 trial for 50 students. It is quite easy to use and has preset templates if students need assistance. Users may choose the language of their strip. There are many props, speech balloons, and accessories to add that enhance student work. Comics can be saved, edited, and embeded into blogs or printed out.

4. Make Belief Comix : Comic strip maker - More designed for younger students, this basic strip maker allows users to choose several elements to build their projects.

5. Bubblr : Use pictures from Flickr to make comic strips. I have not used this tool yet, but will experiment over the week-end.

6. Socrative : This free Web site allows teachers to build quizzes for students that can be taken on any device that has a web browser: computer, phone, iGadget and through any operating system (Android, iOs, etc). It is a powerful tool that generates complete downloadable reports of student progress. This is a highly suggested site!

7. CorkboardMe : Free site that promotes collaboration through virtual sticky note posting. Suggested uses for this site included adding favorite quotes from movies, books, or speeches.